Our year has come to an end, and we all have many special memories of school year 2016-17. I have watched our Kuhio children learn, grow and change from week to week. I know that the faculty, staff, and parents have all contributed to this change in some way or another, and I am grateful. So with proud and cherished memories I thank you all for making this school year a successful one, and with great hope and expectations, I look forward to a better SY 2017-18.

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The end of the school year marks a special coming of age for the fifth graders at Kuhio School, who will be moving up to middle school after being in elementary school for six years. They have become a little more independent and will have much more to learn in the years ahead. We wish them the best.

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We also celebrate the retirement of Educational Assistant Kathy Kaopuiki and thank her for her many years of service educating our students.

In addition, we would like to acknowledge the dedicated educators who will be departing, and we thank them for their service and support to the many children of Kuhio School. They are:

Mrs. Lauren Kam-Felipe, Counselor, who will be moving to Washington Middle

Mr. Michael Takemoto, Grade 5 teacher, who will be moving to Kalihi Elementary

Ms. Mari Matsuda, Grade 5 teacher, who will be moving to Lunalilo Elementary

Ms. Laurie Faure, Science/STEM teacher, who has been granted a sabbatical leave for a year

Mrs. Marissa Delaforce, Part-Time Teacher in the English Language Learner Program

Mrs. Sharon Arizala, Part-Time Literacy Support Teacher

Kuhio School would also like to acknowledge our many community partners who donate school supplies, Christmas gifts, television sets, Chromebooks, manpower/volunteer hours, and money to support student learning in the classroom. Much gratitude to the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel, U.S. Coast Guard, Mrs. Violet Ho, Mrs. Cheryl Fukuda, Makua Pua (T. Kamahoahoa), Kumu Lino (L. Geremen), Nui Mono, Makiki Christian Church, Central Union Church and many other friends of Kuhio School. Thank you for your tremendous support of our keiki.

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Special thanks go out to the Kuhio Staff and Faculty, who believe that it is about collaboration, the collective effort of ALL, and doing what is right and best for the students. Your kindness and love for the students are reasons why they are becoming learners, leaders, and teachers.

And finally, PARENTS, thank you for choosing to bring your children to Kuhio School and trusting us with them every day. We thank you for your support and involvement with your child’s education, for we know success for your children starts at home.

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Our children have been taught by wonderful teachers and have pledged “to treasure Kuhio School as a place to learn and grow.” I believe students have learned what it means to be a responsible and respectful citizen of Kuhio School and of our community. I believe they will continue to make good choices, think and act safely at all times, and will be the best they can possibly be.

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I leave this message to all our children. Seven years ago, I addressed 5th graders at their promotion day program by reading a story from one of my favorite children’s authors, Dr. Seuss. The following quote comes directly from his book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

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“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

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Remember, Kuhio School students have brains in their heads and strive to reach all possibilities! Have a safe and fun summer! Malama Pono!